Cooking demonstrations, photo contest planned in February

RALEIGH — In honor of Sweet Potato Month, the N.C. SweetPotato Commission and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are unveiling a new promotion at Piggly Wiggly stores in February. The promotion, 52 Ways to Love Sweet Potatoes, will highlight the versatility and nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes.

“North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want to give shoppers a reason to fall in love with sweet potatoes, try new recipes and learn more about the health benefits of this wonderful, locally grown product.”

Sue Johnson-Langdon, executive director of the N.C. SweetPotato Commission, said shoppers should be on the lookout for special displays in the produce section of their stores. “They can share their love of sweet potatoes by participating in a photo contest through the commission’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NCSPC,” she said. “By sharing their sweet-potato photos with the hashtag #loveNCSP, shoppers will be entered to win a $100 Piggly Wiggly gift card.”

In addition, select stores will feature cooking demonstrations during the month to introduce consumers to new ways of preparing sweet potatoes. Cooking demonstrations will take place Feb. 13-23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following Piggly Wiggly stores:

The retail promotion was made possible through funding from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department’s Marketing Division creates opportunities for farmers and food businesses to sell their products and be successful. For more information, log on to www.gottobenc.com.